"If justice, good faith, honor,
gratitude and all the other qualities which ennoble the character of a nation
and fulfill the ends of government be the fruits of our establishments, the
cause of liberty will acquire a dignity and lustre, which it has never yet
enjoyed, and an example will be set, which cannot but have the most favourable
influence on the rights on Mankind. If on the other side, our governments
should be unfortunately blotted with the reverse of these cardinal and
essential virtues, the great cause which we have engaged to vindicate, will be
dishonored and betrayed; the last and fairest experiment in favor of the rights
of human nature will be turned against them; and their patrons and friends
exposed to be insulted and silenced by the votaries of tyranny and
usurpation."
--James Madison, Address to the
States, 1783
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